Article: What to Choose: NUMS or PMDC MDCAT
Choosing a medical career is not simple but requires lots of effort and hard work. You are required to pass the medical entrance test, MDCAT, to start your career in medicine. There are two types of MDCAT in Pakistan. It is up to you to prepare for NUMS or PMDC MDCAT.
STEP PREP, one of the largest entry test preparation networks in Pakistan, provides comprehensive guidance for aspiring students. We offer expert-led support specifically tailored to the PMDC MDCAT. Moreover, students receive structured preparation for the NUMS MDCAT to boost their chances of success.
This blog provides comprehensive information about the PMDC MDCAT and NUMS MDCAT, including their structures, similarities, and differences. Further, we explore which is the right choice for you: NUMS or PMDC MDCAT in 2026. Later, we will talk about how STEP PREP is helping students in MDCAT preparation.
So, let’s begin together!
PMDC MDCAT
PMDC MDCAT is also commonly known as MDCAT. The regulatory body that conducts MDCAT in Pakistan is the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). Thats why it is called PMDC MDCAT.
It is the standardised medical entrance test applicable only in Pakistan. This test is mandatory to secure a seat in all the public and private medical universities in Pakistan, except NUMS, to pursue an MBBS or BDS degree.
NUMS MDCAT
NUMS MDCAT is different from the PMDC MDCAT. As the name implies, this MDCAT belongs to the NUMS, which is why it is called the NUMS MDCAT. The regulatory body that conducts the NUMS MDCAT in Pakistan is the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS).
It is also the medical entrance test in Pakistan. NUMS MDCAT allows the students to get admission in only those private and public medical and dental colleges that are affiliated with NUMS. Also, NUMS MDCAT is applicable to get admission in Army Medical Colleges.
Before choosing NUMS or PMDC MDCAT, you need to understand the similarities and differences between both of them. Let’s explore it.
Similarities Between NUMS and PMDC MDCAT
There are some similarities between the PMDC MDCAT and NUMS MDCAT, which are given below:
- Both are the medical entrance tests for admission into public and private medical and dental colleges in Pakistan.
- The eligibility criteria for both MDCAT and NUMS MDCAT are the same. The students must have FSC (pre-medical) or A-levels in medical subjects during their intermediate level. Both tests can be taken by national and international students.
- Also, both tests check the aptitude of students in science subjects and their critical thinking ability.
- Likewise, the core subjects for both MDCATs are the same, which are Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and English.
- The exam format for both entry tests is the same. Both of them follow the MCQ-based format.
- Similarly, there will be no negative marking in either NUMS or PMDC MDCAT.
- MDCAT and NUMS MDCAT difficulty levels are also the same. Both have 15% MCQs that are easy, 70% MCQS that are moderate, and 15% MCQs that are difficult.
A Complete Guide to NUMS Entry Test Preparation at STEP PREP
Differences Between PMDC MDCAT and NUMS MDCAT
Apart from similarities, there are lots of differences in the PMDC MDCAT and NUMS MDCAT. You need to understand the differences between them first before choosing one of them. Here they are:
Conducting Body
The exam conducting body for the MDCAT is the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). PMDC sets the rules and regulations for MDCAT but gives the exam conduction authority to the University of Health Sciences, Lahore in Punjab. On the other hand, the National University of Medical Sciences is the official conducting body for the NUMS MDCAT.
Purpose
MDCAT is acceptable for admission to all public and private medical and dental colleges in Pakistan except NUMS-affiliated ones. The NUMS MDCAT is required for admission in only NUMS-affiliated medical colleges and Army Medical Colleges.
Difficulty Level
PMDC MDCAT is generally more conceptual and harder, while the NUMS MDCAT is less conceptual and has a moderate difficulty level.
Validity
The validity of the PMDC MDCAT is 03 years, while the NUMS MDCAT has a validity of only 01 year.
Test Structure
The test structure of PMDC MDCAT is a single test across Pakistan. The test pattern includes:
- MCQs = 180
- Subjects = Biology, Physics, Chemistry, English, and Logical Reasoning
- Time duration = 3 hours
- Minimum passing marks for MBBS = 55%
- Minimum passing marks for BDS = 50%
- Weightage of subjects for MDCAT syllabus = Biology (81 MCQs and 45%), Physics (36 MCQs and 20%), Chemistry (45 MCQs and 25%), English (09 MCQs and 05%), Logical Reasoning (09 MCQs and 05%).
NUMS MDCAT is a two-part test structure: MDCAT and Psychological Test. Test pattern of NUMS MDCAT includes:
- Minimum passing marks for MBBS = 55%
- Minimum passing marks for BDS = 50%
- Weightage = Biology (65 MCQs), Physics (30 MCQs), Chemistry (40 MCQs), English (15 MCQs), Psychological Test (50 MCQs).
Paper 1 (MDCAT):
- MCQs = 150
- Subjects = Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and English
- Time duration = 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Weightage = 75%
Paper 2 (Psychological Test):
- MCQs = 50
- Subjects = Psychological Test
- Time duration = 15 minutes
- Weightage = 25%
Scoring
The MDCAT is a highly competitive exam because it is accepted for medical and dental college admissions nationwide, except for NUMS-affiliated colleges. The competition for NUMS MDCAT is also high, but it is limited to the seats of NUMS-affiliated colleges. So, the competition is less than the PMDC MDCAT.
Which One Should You Choose in 2026: NUMS or PMDC MDCAT
There is no right or wrong in this regard. The selection of NUMS or PMDC MDCAT totally depends on the desire of students. Here are some scenarios that help you choose between them:
- Take the NUMS 2026 MDCAT if you are interested in studying at NUMS, a public and private NUMS-affiliated medical college, or the Army Medical College.
- Take the PMDC MDCAT 2026 if you want to keep your options open and study in any public or private medical or dental college of Pakistan except NUMS or its affiliated colleges.
- You can take both the PMDC MDCAT 2026 and NUMS MDCAT 2026 if you are not sure of any option. With this, you can keep your options wider. This is because you are eligible to take admission in both private and public medical and dental colleges of Pakistan, and the NUMS-affiliated private and public medical or dental colleges.
The core subject and syllabus of both PMDC MDCAT and NUMS MDCAT are almost the same, and they overlap. So, preparing for one helps with the preparation of the other.
Thus, choosing the 3rd option is the smartest decision for students in 2026. This is because it keeps them safe, provides a wide range of options, and gives them the maximum chance to get into a good medical or dental college in Pakistan.
How STEP PREP Helps in NUMS or PMDC MDCAT Preparation?
STEP PREP remarkably assists students in MDCAT preparation through sessions, MDCAT, LMDCAT, and LMDCAT with NUMS. Moreover, STEP PREP provides:
- Online Learning Facility
- 24/7 Counselling
- Performance Analysis
- Skills Development
- Regular sessions for both MDCAT
- Practice MCQs
- Detailed Video Lectures
- Worksheets
- Drills and Quizzes
- Mock exams
Currently, STEP PREP offers the EARLY PREP (MDCAT 2026 Repeater Batch), particularly for repeaters. This session begins on 10th December 2025. The purpose of this session is to help repeaters start early and make their concepts stronger.
Become a Future Doctor with STEP PREP
You cannot leave your future to chance, whether you choose NUMS or PMDC MDCAT. Also, they need the best preparation, the best guidance, and the best support system. Here, STEP PREP comes forward as your biggest support and companion.
Join the Early Prep MDCAT 2026 Repeater Batch if you are repeating the NUMS or PMDC MDCAT. Hurry Up! Your future medical college seat is waiting for you.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between NUMS or PMDC MDCAT depends on your goals, college choices, and preparation plan. Both MDCAT have similarities and differences, but both exams test your knowledge, confidence, and ability to think under pressure. Understanding the syllabus, following a study schedule, and practising regularly at STEP PREP is the smart strategy for MDCAT 2026 preparation.
FAQs
Which exam is harder: NUMS or PMDC MDCAT?
Both are challenging, but MDCAT is usually considered tougher because it is nationwide and very competitive.
Can I give both NUMS and MDCAT?
Yes, you can take both exams. It increases the chances of admission.
Is the PMDC MDCAT acceptable for NUMS admission?
No, you must pass the NUMS MDCAT for admission to NUMS colleges, not the PMDC MDCAT.
When should I start preparing for MDCAT?
It’s best to start as early as possible.
Can STEP PREP help with both exams?
Yes, STEP PREP offers complete preparation programmes for both MDCATs with its MDCAT, LMDCAT, and LMDCAT with NUMS sessions.
